Judge Orders Police in Washington to Return Confiscated Pot

Police in Washington may soon find themselves in real trouble if they ignore a judge’s order to return marijuana they seized from a man during a traffic stop.

Municipal Court Judge Jack Emery told Tacoma Police on Thursday to return the drug to Joseph L. Robertson within seven days, or they could be found in contempt.

The judge first ordered police to return the drug on Feb. 28, but they have refused. It was seized in May when an officer pulled over the Tacoma man for speeding. He was cited for driving without a license and misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Prosecutors dismissed the drug charge in December, after state voters decided to legalize small amounts marijuana. Robertson then asked for his pot back, and provided proof of medical marijuana authorization.